Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:17 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:17 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Undertake scientific/technological research
Undertake scientific/technological research
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSCI303A
PSPSCI303A
State Code
C8301
C8301
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
23/01/2006
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
23/01/2006
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the conduct of scientific or technological research under general direction with immediate guidance regarding methods and specific objectives. It includes confirming the research issue, employing a selected research methodology, carrying out the research and delivering the results.In practice, undertaking scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as working effectively, acting ethically, using resources, organising information, working safely.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Confirm research issue
- 1.1 Issue to be researched is confirmed and clarified with other researcher/s as relevant to the industry and the organisation's objectives.
- 1.2 Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and handled in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 1.3 Current and published information relevant to the research issue is located and analysed.
2. Employ selected research methodology
- 2.1 Research method/s and objectives are selected in consultation with other researcher/s in accordance with organisational policy and resource requirements.
- 2.2 Hypothesis is established and confirmed with other researcher/s as plausible, relevant and of benefit.
- 2.3 Tasks, risk management strategies and analytical techniques are confirmed in consultation with other researcher/s.
- 2.4 Research methodology is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.
3. Carry out research
- 3.1 Resources to conduct the research are sourced in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 3.2 Tasks are scheduled and carried out under general guidance in accordance with research methodology.
- 3.3 Research is monitored and data is collected and analysed in accordance with research plan.
- 3.4 Research results are discussed with other researcher/s and documented in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.5 Research report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.6 Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements.
4. Deliver research results
- 4.1 Research results are provided to the organisation, to the scientific community and/or to the industry in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.2 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational requirements.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Other researcher/s may include:
research team leader
senior researchers
research team members
Current information may include:
other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally
recently published information
unpublished information
Research methods may include:
single experiment
chain of experiments
Analytical techniques may include:
statistical analysis
sample analysis
Resources may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Sourcing resources may include:
allocation from within the organisation
allocation from external source/s
Documented may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Provision of results may include:
internal reporting verbally and in writing
articles in industry journals
reports for scientific audiences
reports for lay audiences
presentations at seminars and scientific conferences
Other researcher/s may include:
research team leader
senior researchers
research team members
Current information may include:
other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally
recently published information
unpublished information
Research methods may include:
single experiment
chain of experiments
Analytical techniques may include:
statistical analysis
sample analysis
Resources may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Sourcing resources may include:
allocation from within the organisation
allocation from external source/s
Documented may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Provision of results may include:
internal reporting verbally and in writing
articles in industry journals
reports for scientific audiences
reports for lay audiences
presentations at seminars and scientific conferences
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT58 | PSPSCI004 | Undertake scientific/technological research | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J276 | PSP30112 | Certificate III in Government | Qualification |
| C767 | PSP30104 | Certificate III in Government | Qualification |